It’s finally February, and love is in the air! (And so is your breath, good or bad.)

You probably already know that February means Valentine’s Day. But did you know that February is also National Gum Disease Awareness Month?

While it’s not as “cute” as Valentine’s Day, it’s certainly an important topic. It’s estimated that over 80% of adults have some stage of gum disease, and many don’t even know it. The good news? Gum disease is preventable and treatable, especially when you start early. 

So in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, let’s discuss the ways you can keep your mouth super fresh and resilient against threats such as gum disease.

what are the symptoms of gum disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue, resulting in pain, inflammation, and often redness and bleeding. The infection is caused by a buildup of bacteria and plaque in the mouth, often due to poor oral care habits.

The tricky part is that gum disease often starts off without any real symptoms. The plaque and bacteria buildup is hard to notice if it’s not causing physical symptoms. This is why it’s so important to practice good oral care habits before you have any real physical issues.

So, what are the symptoms of gum disease?

• bleeding while brushing / flossing
• red /purplish gums
• swelling and inflammation
• consistent bad breath
• a lingering bad taste in your mouth
• gums pulling away from your teeth (making them look longer)
• rough dental plaque around the base of your teeth

Symptoms of advanced gum disease include:

• gum pockets
• shifting / loosening teeth
• pus buildup around your gums
• bright red gums / persistent bleeding

Our biggest piece of advice is to know the signs and remain alert for the early signs of gum disease. When you catch it early, it’s much easier to treat and prevent. If you’ve already advanced to moderate/serious symptoms, we recommend seeing your dentist as soon as possible!

effects of gum disease on the body

As we always say, your mouth is the window to your overall health.

Gum disease affects a lot more than just your mouth, as the bacteria that cause it can travel through the rest of your body, contributing to other health problems. In fact, it’s been linked to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, osteoporosis, and various types of cancer. This risk goes both ways, as these conditions can also increase your risk of developing gum disease.

As you can see, different parts of the body are always communicating with each other. We don’t say this to worry you, we say this to empower you.

If you’re reluctant to do your oral care routine early in the morning or late at night, remember the crucial role your mouth plays in your overall health. We hope this inspires and motivates you to stay on top of your holistic oral care routine.

what other things can contribute to bad breath?

In addition to gum disease, here are a few other things that can contribute to bad breath.

• pungent foods
• dry mouth
• tobacco use
• poor oral hygiene
• sinus troubles / infection
• certain medications

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we want to help you do everything you can to avoid bad breath and feel fresh, confident, and healthy. Below, you’ll find a few of our top tips.

how to keep your mouth healthy and fresh with Davids

Good oral care habits are your main line of defense against conditions like gum disease and bad breath, and we’re here to make your oral care habits as healthy as they can be!

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, freshen up your oral care routine with Davids. Our natural toothpaste contains intentional ingredients, meaning every single one of our ingredients plays a role in nourishing your mouth. To name a few:

• xylitol works to “starve” the bad bacteria in your mouth while providing sweetness + moisture that combats dry mouth.
• our premium peppermint oils kill bad bacteria and leave your mouth feeling super fresh and minty.
• sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) neutralizes acids in your mouth that would otherwise cause plaque. It also removes surface stains to whiten and polish your teeth!
• our ultra-fine hydrated silica “exfoliates” your teeth to break down plaque and bacteria that might otherwise accumulate and contribute to gum disease.
• calcium carbonate is another very gentle abrasive that reduces plaque, removes surface stains, and leaves your teeth fresh and white.
• nano-hydroxyapatite (found in our sensitive+whitening toothpaste) is the ultimate natural remineralizing ingredient. The tiny particles penetrate your tooth’s surface, working to strengthen your enamel from the inside out and correct any imperfections in your teeth. This makes your teeth more resilient to threats such as gum disease.

Each of these ingredients is sustainably sourced and derived from nature: one of the best (if not the best) healers out there. To get the most out of these incredible ingredients, here are our top recommendations for a healthy, holistic oral care routine.

1. Brush every morning and night with your favorite flavor of Davids.
2. Floss daily at least once, and if you’re only flossing once, do it at night.
3. Tongue scrape after you brush with our stainless steel professional tongue scraper.
4. Use a natural mouthwash fortified with hydroxyapatite. (Stay tuned for a special announcement for us about this.)
5. Prioritize stress reduction. Many people don’t realize that stress plays a huge role in your oral (and overall) health. It can lead to inflammation and a compromised immune response (which is particularly unhelpful when it comes to fighting gum disease).

For more tips on nurturing the freshest mouth possible, check out our recent article: embracing a new opportunity for a fresh start + smart mouth in 2023.

happy valentine’s day!

As always, if you’re still hesitant about natural toothpaste, we encourage you to just give Davids a try. The proof is in the paste, and you won’t ever want to go back to conventional toothpaste.

Did you know that every single box of Davids has a secret love note written on it? Learn more about the love story behind “D2MFVAMB” here.

To celebrate this month of love, treat your mouth to a tube of Davids. We know it’ll be the freshest February yet, and we hope you can feel the love that we put into every single tube of toothpaste.

buy now.